LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- An Arkansas man was charged with attempting to blow up high transmission power lines hear his home, federal law enforcement authorities said.
Jason Woodring, 37, of Jacksonville has been charged with destruction of an energy facility, KTHV-TV, Little Rock, reported Sunday. U.S. Attorney Christopher Thayer said investigators found on three occasions Woodring targeted power infrastructure.
In August, Thayer said Woodring cut all but five support shackles on a 220-foot high power transmission line tower hoping it would fall to the ground. In September, investigators said they believe Woodring started a power switching station on fire. He was said to have scrawled an anti-government message at the scene. Most recently, in October, Woodring cut down power lines and stole a neighbor's tractor to bring down power poles, knocking out power to some 9,000 people, police said.
Woodring is expected to be arraigned Tuesday where a federal judge will consider extending bail in the case.
